Public Health Emergency Planning; Notes from the field...

A guest entry by Teresa Blakeslee, the Medical Reserve Corps Coordinator for the district.

When Disaster Strikes…Are You Ready To Serve?

Don’t Wait, Affiliate!

When natural or human-caused disasters strike, people look for ways to contribute to the relief of the survivors. Many people have a strong psychological need to volunteer in a disaster. Does that sound like you? Are you ready to serve? Read on to see….

Volunteers who have not previously affiliated with a disaster response agency represent a tremendous resource for a community that’s been hit with a disaster. However when volunteers are well-coordinated through an organization such as the Medical Reserve Corps, everyone benefits.

Despite the best intentions of the spontaneous unaffiliated volunteer (SUV’s), your presence may compound, rather than alleviate, the problems in the disaster area. Why? You will have minimal access to food, water, shelter and medicine. SUV’s arriving on the scene will not have identification/clearance to enter a disaster zone to help. Some disasters may be the scene of crimes of desperation or the products of violent conflict, so you must also consider your personal security. Disease can spread quickly in disaster areas and you may need pre-treatment to avoid becoming ill.

You aren't emotionally prepared for the overwhelming stress of working in a disaster area and assisting disaster victims, and the long hours associated with response efforts. You may quickly succumb to your own emotional and physical limitations, and be part of the problem rather than the solution.

If you are not prepared to serve, join an organization such as the Medical Reserve Corps before the need is great. You will be provided free training and disaster exercises to help strengthen you to serve, help you learn to avoid your own distress on the scene, and help the overall operation through a structured response, ultimately being able to help victims recover more quickly.

If you have local knowledge or special skills, the Medical Reserve Corps has a way to incorporate you into their relief effort through pre-credentialing and pre-training for rapid response. Without this, you will wait at a volunteer reception center (VRC) to be processed for placement in the field behind those who have been pre-qualified.

Finally, it is likely you will want to help, and your help will be needed.

Visit http://www.vdh.virginia.gov/mrc/ to learn more about the Medical Reserve Corps who is seeking medical as well as support volunteers now to add to the ranks of a dedicated cadre of volunteers committed and in training to improving the health, safety, and resiliency of our communities!

Don’t Wait, Affiliate! Join today!